BIRTH RATE ALERT: American Fertility Rate Was 36% Lower in 2021 Versus 1970

According to analysis from the Center for Education Statistics, Americans in 2021 had a fertility rate 36% below 1970 due to a number of factors.

While globally, Americans are maintaining a higher birth rate than many countries with Asia and Europe seeing shrinking populations with steeper declines to come, a drop of more than 36% is concerning for long term growth prospects.

While 2021 showed a slight rebound from 2020 lows, since 2014, America has seen nearly a 9 point drop in overall fertility rate from 62.9 in 2014 to 56.3 in 2021.

The fertility rate is a measure that involves per woman rates of reproduction and gross birth rate to more accurately understand if those that can have children are choosing to have children.

This is an incredibly important story that often is overlooked by online and traditional media and we will continue to keep track of trends and report them here regularly.

The Association of Western Employers is dedicated to helping create career building opportunities across the American West and the entire country. It uses its large online platforms and in person meetings to help employers and organizations better use the best facts available in making decisions that help create better communities.